DefenceTalkTaiwan plans to test-fire its newest anti-missile system for the first time in the United States next month as relations with rival China deteriorate, a defence source and media reports said Monday. Relations between China and Taiwan have cooled rapidly under the island’s new Beijing-sceptic president Tsai Ing-wen, who took office in May, ending an […]https://www.defencetalk.com/taiwan-to-test-fire-missiles-in-us-as-china-tensions-rise-67729/

DefenceTalkChina has deployed a surface-to-air missile system on one of its contested islands in the South China Sea, a report said Tuesday just as President Barack Obama called for “tangible steps” to reduce tensions in the region. Fox News said that images from civilian firm ImageSat International show two batteries of eight missile launchers and […]https://www.defencetalk.com/china-deploys-missiles-on-disputed-south-china-sea-island-66762/

DefenceTalkThe US State Department informed Congress on Wednesday of a proposed sale of two warships to Taiwan as part of a $1.8 billion arms deal already angrily denounced by China. The massive contract comes at a time of reconciliation between China and Taiwan — separated since 1949 — but also of worries by Washington that […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-plans-to-sell-warships-to-taiwan-66135/

DefenceTalkFor the first time in four years, the White House has approved a major arms sale to Taiwan. The arms deal comes during a period of historic reconciliation between China and Taiwan, with elections just around the corner. There’s nothing unusual about the United States selling arms to Taiwan. Washington has done so for more […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-arms-deal-to-taiwan-excludes-big-ticket-items-66129/

DefenceTalkTaiwan’s largest-ever missile ship went into service Tuesday after a ceremony presided over by President Ma Ying-jeou as the island strives to modernize its military in response to a perceived threat from China. Ma praised the corvette’s “stealth and speed” at the ceremony involving hundreds of naval officers and said it “reflects the determination by […]https://www.defencetalk.com/taiwans-largest-missile-ship-goes-into-service-63707/

DefenceTalkTaiwan on Tuesday launched its largest ever missile ship Tuesday as the island strives to modernise its armed forces in response to a perceived threat from China. The 500-tonne corvette named ‘Tuo Chiang’ — ‘Tuo River’ — is the first of its kind ever produced by Taiwan and was touted by defence minister Yen Ming […]https://www.defencetalk.com/taiwan-launches-its-largest-ever-missile-ship-61211/

DefenceTalkAt 70 years old, Taiwan’s World War II-era “Hai Pao” submarine would not be out of place in a museum, but the antique vessel is still part of the navy — a sign of the island’s ongoing struggle to strengthen its fleet. The sub’s interior gleams with highly polished copper and is the pride of […]https://www.defencetalk.com/antique-submarines-still-key-to-struggling-taiwan-fleet-60943/

DefenceTalkTaiwan is planning to purchase advanced trainers to replace its aging fleet of F-5E/F jet fighters and AT-3 jet trainers, Defense Minister Yen Ming said Thursday. The plans to procure advanced trainers are expected to be included in the Ministry of National Defense budget for 2017, Yen said while fielding questions from Legislator Lin Yu-fang […]https://www.defencetalk.com/taiwan-set-to-purchase-advanced-trainers-in-2017-60846/

DefenceTalkTaiwan’s premier warned Tuesday of increasing cyber attacks from China, the island’s highest-ranking official to denounce attempts to “steal government secrets” despite warming cross-strait relations. Jiang Yi-huah’s warning comes after the Federal Bureau of Investigation warned on Sunday that China is waging an aggressive cyber war against the United States which costs American businesses billions […]https://www.defencetalk.com/taiwan-pm-warns-china-cyber-attack-threat-growing-60704/

DefenceTalkTaiwan’s navy fired anti-submarine rockets and guns Wednesday simulating their response if China launched an invasion, as part of the island’s biggest naval drill in 25 years. The event was presided over by President Ma Ying-jeou and staged primarily in the coastal waters off the eastern Hualien county. A total of 88 vessels were mobilised […]https://www.defencetalk.com/taiwan-shows-force-in-biggest-naval-exercise-in-25-years-60605/